Latest J-Pop Releases [October 2025]

roarTomonari Sora

Roar – HOKO

Released in October 2025, Sora Tomonari’s “Roar” was selected as the ending theme for the sixth season of the NHK General TV anime Kingdom.

Characterized by its heavy, powerful sound, it makes you feel as if you’re steadily pressing forward, step by step.

The lyrics, themed around the clash of convictions, vividly evoke the heat of the battlefield.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone looking to fire themselves up.

Reaching for Your LightIwatatakanori

Takanori Iwata – Reaching for Your Light (Official Music Video)

Takanori Iwata, who has been active as a performer in Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS and EXILE and has won numerous awards as an actor, released “Reaching for Your Light” via streaming in October 2025.

The song was written as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama NEXT series “My Oshi Became My Boss: Full Throttle.” This work portrays a bittersweet longing for someone out of reach as a single ray of light piercing the darkness.

Its driving melody and straightforward, love-song lyrics resonate deeply.

It’s a number that will encourage anyone troubled by an unattainable love or holding on to earnest feelings.

The wintry wind does not cry.Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “The Cold Wind Doesn’t Cry” Music Video

This work, included on Sakurazaka46’s 13th single “Unhappy birthday Syntax,” is a song performed by the BACKS members.

It was released in October 2025.

The motif is the chilly winds of autumn, and the resolve embedded in the title—“I won’t cry”—conveys a strength that strives to overcome pent-up frustration and loneliness.

Its heartrending melody and cool, airy sound really stir the emotions.

It’s a dramatic idol song perfect for the nip in the air during the colder season.

First kissrikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – First Kiss (Official Music Video)

Released for streaming in October 2025, this work is a newly written song created as the TV commercial track for Honda’s VEZEL e:HEV RS.

Its appeal lies in a driving feel like a tailwind that evokes bittersweet memories, and the lyrics revolve around the theme of unwavering feelings for a precious person, even as the world keeps flowing by.

The melody line, carrying raw emotion, and the groovy sound are irresistible.

It’s also perfect for moments when you want to look back on the time spent with your partner.

Shibuya hariappa!BUCK∞TICK

BUCK-TICK / 'Shibuya Hariappa!' MUSIC VIDEO

The 44th single, which embodies the resolve and challenge of the new lineup, features two tracks: the title song crafted by Hisashi Imai and the coupling track “Kaze no Prologue” by Hidehiko Hoshino.

On the title track, industrial beats intertwine with sequenced patterns, while its repeated phrases continue to resonate like an incantation.

Many listeners will be drawn into a sound that blends a return to roots with bold innovation.

Surrender yourself to its sharp-edged rock.

It tickles.CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Ticklish. / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Released in October as CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ 19th single, this track serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru.” Its lyrics, which candidly express the desire to reach out and the fluttering feelings that defy words, leave a strong impression.

The lines depicting a love that overflows beyond logic bring back the moment you first fell for someone.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to rekindle those sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.

Hikari TowaORANGE RANGE

Hikari Towa

This is a song written by the Okinawan rock band ORANGE RANGE as the theme for the film “Strawberry Moon: A Love with Six Months to Live.” Released in October 2025, the work portrays a protagonist who, despite carrying sorrow, chooses to live positively.

It’s moving in the way it captures bonds that stay connected at heart even when apart, and the courage to overcome hardship.

When you want to look back on memories with someone special or find yourself at a crossroads in life, this song is sure to be by your side.